Netflix Expands CBC Pact, Adds ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ for Canadian Members

Deal brings streaming service additional seasons of pubcaster's series for Canadian members

Netflix reached an expanded licensing agreement with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., adding new seasons of the pubcaster’s shows already on the video-streaming service as well as period drama “Murdoch Mysteries.”

Pact covers new seasons of CBC TV shows currently available on Netflix, including “Republic of Doyle,” “Heartland,” “Mr. D” and “Dragons’ Den.” Popular show “Murdoch Mysteries” stars Yannick Bisson (above, left) as a Toronto detective at the turn of the 20th century. Beginning this month and continuing through 2014, new shows and seasons will be available to Canadian members.

“These shows represent some of Canada’s best homegrown television,” Netflix VP of content acquisition Sean Carey said in a statement. “Working with the CBC is part of our commitment to bringing Canadian subscribers the best of Canadian films and TV shows.”

Unlike TV networks in the Great White North, Netflix is not subject to CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission) requirements that broadcasters and cable channels carry a minimum amount of Canadian-produced programming.

Netflix last week announced a deal with Comcast’s NBCUniversal to bring multiple TV series and films to Canadian subscribers, including exclusive streaming rights to seasons of “Downton Abbey” and “Suits.” The streaming service also cut an expanded multiyear licensing agreement with the National Film Board of Canada, adding more than 20 Canadian documentaries.

Netflix does not disclose how many customers it has in Canada, which was the streamer’s first launch outside the U.S. in September 2010.